Here's a very useful beanbag craft any simple-sewer can easily manage... Make a simple rectangular or ovoid fabric bean bag casing about 10x12" (cordura nylon would be excellent to use!). Put a zipper or velcro closing in the seam on one side - it can be carried empty in a camera case and filled as needed with sand or pebbles, if the owner really wants to keep down weight. Filled, it can be set on rocks, in the crotch of a tree, in snow, on the car hood or windowsill, wherever... it conforms to the shape required to form a firm base for the camera.